Kenya Airways has announced the resignation of Acting Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Capt. George Kamal, citing personal reasons.
The national carrier said Kamal will remain in office for a 30-day transition period before formally exiting the airline on September 30, 2026.
Kamal took over as acting CEO after previously serving as Kenya Airways’ Chief Operating Officer for three years. The airline said he played a key role in stabilising its operations and implementing its ongoing turnaround strategy.
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“During his tenure, Capt. Kamal served with commitment, dedication, honour and diligence,” the airline said in a public announcement issued on Tuesday, September 1.
The board credited Kamal with helping steer the airline through its previous executive leadership transition and leading the management team in implementing measures aimed at returning Kenya Airways to sustainable financial performance.
Following his departure, the board has appointed Company Secretary and Director of Legal Services and Regulatory Compliance Habil Waswani as Acting Group Managing Director and CEO.
Waswani will assume the position on September 15, 2026, and will serve in an interim capacity as the airline searches for a substantive chief executive.
The airline said the recruitment process for a permanent CEO has already commenced and is expected to be completed in the near term.
Waswani brings more than 24 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, corporate governance and regulatory compliance. He has worked at Kenya Airways for more than five years, where he has overseen aviation-related legal matters as well as corporate and commercial law functions.
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He previously held senior positions in the banking and insurance sectors and holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Nairobi, a Diploma in Law from the Kenya School of Law and is a Certified Public Secretary.
Waswani also holds a Global Executive Master of Business Administration from United States International University in collaboration with Columbia Business School, Columbia University in New York.
The board said his appointment would provide leadership continuity as the airline continues with its turnaround programme.
Kenya Airways said its immediate focus remains on improving operational reliability, returning the airline to sustainable positive financial performance and achieving its targeted growth ambitions.
“The Board fully supports the appointment of Mr. Waswani as he takes over the organisation’s executive leadership during this interim period,” the airline said.
KQ Chairman Kiprono Kittony thanked Kamal for his service and wished him well ahead of his formal exit at the end of September.
The leadership change comes as Kenya Airways continues efforts to strengthen its financial and operational position under its turnaround strategy.
